HOORAY, I MADE IT TO THE BEACH

Everyone knows we had the best summer in hundreds of years 

And guess what? I didn't make it to the beach, ANY BEACH, all summer.

What can I do, I am a busy bee, I work a lot and have no time to go anywhere after work. Sad really. In a way I like it I guess otherwise I wouldn't be doing it. 

Fear not, I made it to Barna beach a couple of days ago. One major disappointment though - I couldn't find my bathing suit before we left!! I had to satisfy myself with soaking my feet and the water was so warm and lovely, it was a pure torture being there and not being able to swim.

When I came home I turned my wardrobe upside down and managed to find the elusive bathing suit. 

Now I am waiting for the next trip to the beach. I hope it is before next summer...

 

My last visit to the beach..probably

Oughterard in the Fall

If you find yourself walking in the village one early foggy morning you will discover how peaceful, calm and wonderful it is.

The colours of autumn are so warm and bright against the white softness of the fog, every sound is subdued and hushed, there is no one about... Perfect...


What an amazing feeling. I just love where I live.

Welcome to Oughterard, the Gateway to Connemara 

A golden day in CONNEMARA

One day with beautiful golden light in Connemara. It's all you need and all you ever wanted...

thanks for being here 

Knockkillaree on the map

There is a lovely place just out of Oughterard called, Knockkillaree, fantastic word with fabulous spelling. In the beginning, when I just arrived here, it took me ages to remember how to write it.  

I am absolutely fascinated by the Irish names. I love investigating the Surveyors map and reading the local names of villages, rivers, loughs and so on.

Well, I am a map lover, I love to know where I am and I simply enjoy the view of a good detailed map. I am sure that there is someone out there that agrees with me. Reading maps is fun and can be very interesting and informative. I never go anywhere without a good map of the area I am visiting, not the tourist stuff, that has really nothing in it, but the serious, down to business, surveyor's maps with all the details and every little road. For my photo walks I like to go off the beaten paths and to investigate the tiny roads where the tourist don't go. And for that reason I need more information than can be found on a normal tourist map.

For example, if you have the usual map, you won't find Knockkillaree -  a fantastic little corner, just off the N59, on the way to Aughnanure castle. Only a few minutes after the golf course, on the left side, there is a little dirt road that sets off towards the Lough Corrib and The Waterfront House Country home - a fabulous bed and breakfast. I have heard only positive and happy comments from people that have stayed there.

This was my walking ground for a year and I loved it. The scenery is fabulous. You start through the bogs and then you are surrounded by gorgeous pines and the fabulous feeling of peace and the sweet aroma of pine needles. Fantastic combination.

Recently I went back and took a few shots. Those I share with you today.

With my photos I wish to put Knockkillaree on every map. 

Thank you for staying here with me 

AUGHNANURE CASTLE one lovely summer day

Every year at the end of August there is an open day at Aughnanure castle.

This is a fantastic event for grown ups and children alike and the locals keep coming here the same as the tourists every year - just for the fun of it. There is music, crafts displayed and lots of little children running happily around with painted faces. 

A fabulous way to spent a couple of hours relaxing and enjoying the beautiful grounds. 

Start from the car park, then slowly ramble along the river feasting your eyes on the wonderful and rich summer green. Go across the bridge and through the thick entrance gates and here you are!! it is a beautiful welcome with colourful flags flapping in the breeze. 

Follow me and you shall see!!  

Click on images to view as slideshow

 

Even the rain can't spoil the mood!!

 

Welcome inside!!

There are flower decorations at the windows

Kids are running everywhere!!

Interesting view!!

The Irish green is unforgettable!!

Good bye! Until the next time!! 

Thank you for joining me!!